Jeffrey Mosher catches up with Kim Bode, President/Owner 8THIRTYFOUR Integrated Communications, which has been named a Forbes Best PR Agencies List 2021.

• 8THIRTYFOUR, an integrated communications agency, announced it was placed among 200 top public relations leaders on Forbes’ inaugural list of America’s Best PR Firms.

Their conversation also covers; What makes 8THIRTYFOUR Different:
• Over the last 15 years, 8THIRTYFOUR has been steadily growing its statewide and national client base, with a focus on health care, manufacturing, consumer goods, nonprofits, logistics and everything else under the sun.

To hear Kim and Jeffrey discuss this award and more about the company, click play on the PodCast:

Beyond the interview here is a release MBN previously shared over the holidays about this achievement:

Grand Rapids-based integrated communications agency was the only Michigan company to be named to 2021 Forbes PR Agency List, which recognizes the Top 200 companies in the United States

Grand Rapids, Michigan – November 2020 –  Today, 8THIRTYFOUR, an integrated communications agency, announced it was placed among 200 top public relations leaders on Forbes’ inaugural list of America’s Best PR Firms. The list and ranking was developed by Forbes in partnership with market research firm Statista and surveyed 12,700 experts and 20,500 customers who submitted nominations on behalf of more than 5,000 firms across the country. The recognition demonstrates the 15-year firm’s dedication to clients, the PR industry and continued growth despite COVID-19.

“Finally, a bright spot in 2020,” joked Kim Bode, owner and founder of 8THIRTYFOUR. “As PR professionals, our job is to avoid the spotlight while pushing our clients into it. We certainly don’t seek out recognition, but that doesn’t mean we don’t love it. The champagne is still flowing.”

Over the last 15 years, 8THIRTYFOUR has been steadily growing its statewide and national client base, with a focus on health care, manufacturing, consumer goods, nonprofits, logistics and everything else under the sun. The firm sets itself apart from other agencies by straying away from the hourly billing model, choosing instead to focus on retainer and project-based work.

“The agency model is just that-made for an agency. The model doesn’t benefit the client. In fact, it fosters distrust and creates communication issues. We focus on deliverables, not the hours invested to achieve those goals. Our PR process is incredibly time intensive and thorough. That’s why we’re on this list-it works. We want our clients focused on results, not billable hours,” said Bode.

In the past three years, 8THIRTYFOUR’s revenue has grown by 30% each year, even with 2020 being the jerk it is. The company also recently hired a marketing specialist to assist with PR and strategy work for its ever-growing client base.

“Someone asked me, ‘why do people choose 8THIRTYFOUR?’ If I had to narrow it down, it would be because we excel at pulling off the impossible. Whether it’s launching 25,000 lanterns over the Grand Rapids skyline or peddling cheese during one of the country’s largest art events, nothing scares us. We’re also quite fun to hang out with, or so we’ve been told,” commented Bode.

###

ABOUT 8THIRTYFOUR:
8THIRTYFOUR was founded by owner, Kim Bode, who sought to create the communications firm companies need: a creative, hard working, one-stop shop that doesn’t just create strategies but also implements and measures them. We love going the extra mile for clients.

As an integrated firm with in-house talent that spans design, copywriting, public relations, media relations, digital marketing, website design, and more, we are able to serve as a true partner to our clients. We understand how all facets of communication create opportunities and how they can be leveraged for maximum impact.

During the past 15 years, Kim has built a nimble, smart, fun, and energetic team, fueled by copious amounts of coffee and wine (depending on the time of day). We love what we do, and it shows in the work we deliver.